Energy: Introduction
While one of the easiest ways to save energy is to change to compact fluorescent light bulbs, it takes a little research to figure out the best next steps. An energy audit is probably a good thing to do before any major investment. This topic will serve as a place to post resources people have found to save energy at home. Here are a few to get you going:
A few months ago I ran across a little book in the library reference section gives some great tips on energy efficiency. A brief online version is available at
http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/index.htm
This is from a group called ACEEE - American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. I don't know who they are, but the guide is pretty good.
Another great online resource is EPA's EnergyStar program. EnergyStar appliances are rated based on energy consumption relative to EPA standards. The difference in energy usage between a top rated appliance and one 'off the list' can be 2X or more. You can download Excel spreadsheets showing hundreds of model numbers and the consumption and rating for each. The starting point for their website is
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.
How much electricity do your applicances take? An inexpensive wattmeter can be purchased from many places, including my favorite - www.energyfederation.org, located in Westborough. The Kill-A-Watt meter sells for about $30 and plugs in between your refrigerator and the wall outlet. It won't help with built-in appliances. Let your kids measure the TV or the computer, and decide whether or not to leave it on!
EFI also sells hard-to-find items like dimmable fluorescent bulbs, LED bulbs, fluorescent torchieres, self-powered radios, etc.
Another more recent source is the Alternative Energy Store, an internet store headquartered in Hudson. I don't think they stock anything there, but at least the company is local.
If you find something useful on energy efficiency, please post a comment here...
Chris
(Originally posted to Boxborough Local's Google Group on 6/6/2007)
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Compact Fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) are the new spiral bulbs that screw into a traditional light socket but take much less energy to operate. These long-lasting bulbs take about one quarter as much electricity, so their lifetime operating cost is a lot lower than using regular incandescent bulbs. In fact, over a lifetime as long 6-8 years, a CFL could save you $30 or more per bulb. And while you're saving money, you're also using less energy.
Standard CFLs don't work well for at least two applications -- dimmable lights and outdoor lighting. There are special versions for these two applications and while they cost a bit more, they too save money over the bulb lifetime relative to an incandescent bulb. Most hardware stores, but certainly Acton Hardware as well as Aubuchon Hardware in Littleton, carry both conventional and special CFLs.
One recent concern is that CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, now considered a toxic substance, but only about a quarter as much mercury as would be contained in a conventional 4-foot long fluorescent bulb. Fortunately for us, the transfer station has a little recycling center for both kinds of bulbs; look for the small grey house next to the clothing drop.
For more information, the Dept. of Energy EnergyStar program has a web page dedicated to CFLs here.
For those interested in something even more efficient, light emitting diode (LED) bulbs are coming in the near future. They offer the promise of better light "color" as well as lifetimes and efficiencies even higher than that of CFLs. Unfortunately they are extremely expensive right now. Stay tuned...